Isometric drawing is way of presenting designs/drawings in three
dimensions. In order for a design to appear three dimensional, a 30 degree
angle is applied to its sides. The cube opposite, has been drawn in
isometric projection.

The mobile phone / music player opposite, has been sketched in free
hand isometric projection. It allows the designer to draw in 3D quickly
and with a reasonable degree of accuracy. The design is still drawn at a
30 degree angle, although this is estimated, rather than drawn with
graphics equipment.

Limited colour/shade has been added to the
menu of the phone. This means that the sketch is not presented entirely as
a ‘plain’ design.

These drawings are quick sketches, that allow the
designer to put his / her thoughts down on paper rapidly. This helps
him/her develop an idea or design concept quickly, without the need for
complex drawings, at an early stage in the design process.

In early
meetings with a client, the designer can display 3D drawings of this type
in order to ascertain if the design is developing the way the client
wants.

Drawing in isometric projection, normally means drawing very accurately
using traditional drawing equipment. This includes using T-Square, set
squares and measuring accurately.

The isometric drawing seen
opposite has been drawn precisely, using skills learned through hours of
practice. When these skills have been developed, sketching in isometric
becomes second nature.

EXPLODED ISOMETERIC PROJECTION

Designers use ‘exploded’ views, often drawn in isometric projection, to
show parts of products that are hidden from sight. For example, all the
parts of the pen, drawn below, can be seen because it has been taken
apart using the drawing technique called 'Exploded Isometric
Projection'.

With exploded isometric projection, all the parts
are in line with each other, along a centre line. This is drawn
precisely through the centre of the product being drawn.

With a
normal isometric drawing, all the parts are in their assembled
positions. This means that vital hidden detail cannot be seen.

Designers also use exploded views to explain their designs to
clients/customers and manufacturers. Furthermore, exploded views of
products are often supplied to customers, who in turn assemble the
product. A good example of this is 'knock down' furniture. When the flat
pack is opened, an instruction sheet or booklet explains how the
furniture is assembled, often in the form of isometric exploded views.

The drawings seen below, were supplied with an instruction booklet. They
are two of numerous diagrams drawn in isometric projection. They help
explain how the cabinet and all its component parts are assembled, to
form the finished product.

These are accurate drawings
constructed by a designer, that explain how the product he/she has
designed is assembled.